Former US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz is confident that he will be fit to play at this year's tournament in Flushing Meadows despite rolling his ankle in a recent training session.
The reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion was engaging in some light practice with fellow professional Francisco Cerundolo on Saturday, when his right ankle suddenly buckled as he went to hit a backhand return.
Alcaraz was able to walk to the back of the court - albeit slightly gingerly - in the immediate aftermath, suggesting that he had not suffered a serious sprain, but the Spaniard still called time on the practice session early.
Alcaraz's fright naturally led to concerns surrounding his participation at this year's US Open, where he is out to win a third straight major crown and regain his title from 2022 after Novak Djokovic's run to glory last year.
However, speaking to a press conference later in the day, the 21-year-old affirmed that the issue was not severe and he expects to be back at 100% in practice on Sunday.
"I think it is okay. You know, I just stopped my practice just for precaution. I didn't feel comfortable enough to keep practicing just in case if everything is going to be worse," Sky Sports News quotes Alcaraz as saying.
Carlos Alcaraz hurt his ankle in practice against Cerundolo.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 24, 2024
He immediately stopped playing and spoke with his team before leaving the court.
Really bad luck ahead of the US Open.
Hope everything is alright. ❤️🩹
pic.twitter.com/BgHMEF3p4H
Alcaraz "angry" as ankle injury stops US Open practice
"A few hours later, I'm still feeling good, you know, my feet, so tomorrow I will try to be practising again 100% without thinking about it, but today I'll take care about it."
The world number three added that he was "angry" to stop training early, although his frustrations were out of respect for Cerundolo, and at no point did he fear he would have to withdraw from the US Open.
"I wasn't worried at all for my US Open participation. Obviously I was angry because I don't want to stop the practice, just to respect [training partner Francisco] Cerundolo, as well," Alcaraz said.
"I don't want to stop any practice. I want to practice, I want to get better, I want to get ready for the tournament. But honestly with the ankle, I wasn't worried about that. So I'm sure that tomorrow or in two days I'm going to be at 100%, for sure. It's about time."
Alcaraz has been drawn to face New Zealand qualifier Li Tu in the first round, and the 21-year-old could potentially square off against Denis Shapovalov in round two and British number one Jack Draper in round three.
The 21-year-old is on a collision course to meet reigning champion and recent Olympics conqueror Djokovic in the showpiece match, although he may have to get past top seed Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals for a shot at glory.
Ben Knapton
